28 November 2004 -- Romanians are voting today in a first round of presidential and parliamentary elections.

The campaign leading up to the poll was dominated by concerns over corruption and poverty.

Romanian Prime Minister Adrian Nastase of the governing ex-communist Social Democratic Party, and Bucharest Mayor Traian Basescu, who heads the center-right Justice and Truth alliance, are considered the most popular among 12 candidates.

Nastase said after voting today that he had chosen a "Romania without poverty."

The winner will replace outgoing President Ion Iliescu.

Experts say a first round winner is unlikely because no candidate is expected to get more than 50 percent of the vote, as required. A runoff election is scheduled for 12 December.